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In a world where many car designs look indistinguishable or hark back to the past rather than looking to the future, Kia’s courageous and trend-setting direction for its styling is a breath of fresh air. We have already seen some of the new designs on the road, but there is plenty more in the pipeline. The new Concept EV4, for example, epitomises the brand’s mantra of Movement that Inspires.
Power to Progress
Its latest models adopt what Kia calls its Opposites United design strategy. Within this are four main pillars, and for the Concept EV4, the designers have used the philosophy of ‘Power to Progress’. This reflects Kia’s focus on design and the skills, expertise and creativity of the people that give us such great looking models. It’s the same design philosophy that brought us the breathtaking Kia EV6 that received the prestigious Red Dot Design Award.
The strengths of the Kia design team really show through in the Concept EV4, but it also showcases the innovation that we can expect to see in future Kia models.
In the Concept EV4, the designers have created a saloon with a fastback look, giving it a dynamic silhouette that will appeal as much to enthusiastic drivers as those seeking a Kia EV that makes a statement.
The front has the looks of a sports car, with a narrow and chiseled face and a low bonnet. It boasts Kia’s new star map signature lighting which enhances the futuristic look too. There’s an element of fun here with various digital light patterns when you unlock or lock the car, as well as during performance of other functions.
The windscreen and side windows appear to wrap around the car, creating the impression that the roof is floating above them. It’s a similar design feature to that found on many expensive supercars. A two-part roof spoiler further accentuates the sporty look of the concept and sits atop a long, sculpted tail that echoes many a beautiful grand tourer. Vertical tail lamps sit either side of a horizontal light bar that features geometric patterns to further add to the premium look.
Inspired by nature
Like the EV6, the Concept EV4 has a unique appearance that stands out from the crowd and there are more fascinating design features inside. Here the designers have gone way beyond the traditional car interior to create a comfortable living space inspired by ‘earth’ one of nature’s four elements. It provides a modern, minimalist theme, with a horizontal layout to the dashboard and lines throughout the trim that replicate the wraparound look of the exterior. It all complements an ambience of width and space that enhances the roominess provided by Kia’s EV platform.
The driver is assured of premium comfort, but also the latest technology to make any journey a relaxing adventure. Wide screens provide a wealth of information as well as connectivity to the outside world. It’s all easy to use with minimum distractions. That’s equally true of the climate control, which has been placed in a slide-put panel in the dashboard to accentuate the minimalist look and clean design. The air vents are unique too, with rotating airflow pins that allow the occupants to adjust them precisely to their needs.
Designed for the environment
It’s all about creating a space to live in rather than just travel from A-to-B, which is why many of the materials and textures have a natural, homely feel about them. Kia’s Colour, Materials and Finish experts have used eco-friendly textures, with 100% recycled fabric used throughout that benefits from natural dyes. Other materials include nettle roots and walnut shells and the fascinating mycelium. This is grown rather than manufactured and uses mushroom roots and hemp fibre to create a material that is soft and warm as well as hard-wearing.
The premium interior is further enhanced by the way the fabrics have been applied in the concept. For the dashboard and storage areas, the fabric stripes have been woven by hand to create a 3D effect that is as beautiful as it is luxurious.
Creating a sense of wellbeing
Like the Kia Concept EV3, there are various modes that can be utilised to enhance the feeling of wellbeing. In the Concept EV4, these are called ‘Mind Modes’ and include Mind, Perform and Serenity, each specifically tailored to allow the occupants to change the look and feel of the interior through selected ambient lighting and animated airflow patterns.
The Kia Concept EV4 has been designed to appear dynamic, luxurious and practical from every angle. Whether it is the bold exterior appearance, the premium interior materials or the latest in technology, it once again shows how Kia is defining the trends of today and tomorrow when it comes to desirable EVs.
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